Old Medications

[alicia-w]

In preparation for our exodus to New Mexico, we've been scouring this house from top to bottom. During the process we've found a LOT of OTC medicines as well as prescriptions that have expired 10 years ago. I thought it might be a good idea to remind folks to go through their meds and throw away anything that's expired. Sunscreen doesnt last more than a year either. Pitch that old stuff too.

[Cookiely]

In preparation for our exodus to New Mexico, we've been scouring this house from top to bottom. During the process we've found a LOT of OTC medicines as well as prescriptions that have expired 10 years ago. I thought it might be a good idea to remind folks to go through their meds and throw away anything that's expired. Sunscreen doesnt last more than a year either. Pitch that old stuff too.

Also, don't forget to write down what you are tossing so that you can replace the old with the new. If possible a good idea is to flush the old medicine down the toilet.

[Janice]

Also, make sure you are tossing or disposing of stuff properly so they don't get into the wrong hands. Flushing is a good idea.

[HurricaneGirl]

Never flush old medications down the toilet., everything you flush goes directly into your water system. Even though the water is purified for drinking later it is not 100% so if everyone was to flush meds the effects could be felt in the way of a strange sickness or just not feeling good.

Take them to your pharmacy for "safe disposal".

[BreinLa]

I usually send them down the Garbage Disposal

[chadtm80]

Never flush old medications down the toilet., everything you flush goes directly into your water system. Even though the water is purified for drinking later it is not 100% so if everyone was to flush meds the effects could be felt in the way of a strange sickness or just not feeling good.

Take them to your pharmacy for "safe disposal".

Thats if you have city water.. YUK

[Pburgh]

I might have old ibuprophen, cough medicine, or aspirin but that's about it. My daughter's a pharmacist and takes care of all that old stuff (including me) when she comes home to visit. lol

[chadtm80]

What will expired OTC meds do to you??

Me just happen to take just about a whole box of cold meds a couple weeks ago and once they were gone I noticed they were expired by 6 months or so.. I am still kicking so I guess I got lucky

[Pburgh]

I think most of them just loose their potency.

[Janice]

Thanks a lot. I usually don't have any old meds, but I thought flushing was ok. We take all our meds till the bottle is empty. Our doctors have told us even though you feel better it is best to take all the meds, unless the doctor wants you to stop. What is the difference in flushing meds and putting in harsh chemicals to clean the toilet, etc.? I would think people flush worse stuff then meds.

[alicia-w]

i've read several research reports where the effects of meds in the water are affecting the fertility of all creatures on the planet. I dont know the best way to get rid of stuff, but i too was taught to never flush meds unless you're on a septic system.

[pojo]

just bring them back to the pharmacist.

[southerngale]

I just throw them in the garbage. It's usually just expired OTC medications. Why would anyone dig through a nasty trash can for that?